Nigerian Navy Ranks And Symbols 2026

The Nigerian Navy Ranks And Symbols 2026 shows the complete hierarchy used by the Nigerian Navy. The Admiral is the highest active rank in the Nigerian Navy and serves as the Chief of Naval Staff. This makes the Admiral the most senior officer who commands the entire naval force under the President of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Navy (NN) is the naval branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces responsible for securing Nigeria’s territorial waters, rivers, coasts, and seas. Established in 1956, the Nigerian Navy has grown to become the fifth strongest navy in Africa with over 70 warships and more than 20,000 personnel. These ranks and symbols help maintain order, discipline, and respect within the naval service.

Quick Summary: Nigerian Navy Rank Categories

Commissioned Officers (11 Ranks):

• Admiral of the Fleet (Ceremonial)
• Admiral (Adm) – 4 stars
• Vice Admiral (Vice Adm) – 3 stars
• Rear Admiral (Rear Adm) – 2 stars
• Commodore (Cdre) – 1 star
• Captain (Capt)
• Commander (Cdr)
• Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr)
• Lieutenant (Lt)
• Sub-Lieutenant (SLt)
• Midshipman (Mid)

Non-Commissioned Officers/Ratings (7 Ranks):

• Warrant Chief Petty Officer (WCPO)
• Chief Petty Officer (CPO)
• Petty Officer (PO)
• Leading Seaman/Rating (LS)
• Able Seaman/Rating (AB)
• Ordinary Seaman/Rating (ORD)
• Trainee (Under training)

How Nigerian Navy Ranks Work

The Nigerian Navy ranks are divided into two main categories. These are Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (also called Ratings). Commissioned Officers are leaders who make decisions, command ships, and handle strategic operations. Ratings carry out orders, maintain discipline, and perform technical duties on ships and shore establishments.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS RANKS AND SYMBOLS

Commissioned officers are formally commissioned by the President of Nigeria. They occupy leadership positions, command naval ships, and make strategic decisions. Their symbols feature stripes, stars, eagles, crossed sword and baton, and the Nigerian coat of arms.

1. Admiral of the Fleet

Symbol: Five golden stars surrounding the Nigerian Coat of Arms

Description: This is the highest ceremonial rank in the Nigerian Navy. It is rarely conferred and is considered an honorary position. It is equivalent to Field Marshal in the Army and Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force.

Key Features:

• Highest ceremonial rank
• Honorary position
• Rarely conferred
• Five-star general rank

Duties:

• Ceremonial leadership role
• Highest honor in Nigerian Navy
• Reserved for extraordinary service
• No current holder

2026 Status: This rank remains unawarded and is kept as the highest possible honor in the Nigerian Navy, reserved for exceptional wartime leadership or extraordinary service to the nation.

2. Admiral (Adm)

Symbol: Eagle above crossed sword and baton with four stars below

Description: This is the highest active rank in the Nigerian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff holds this rank. The Admiral commands the entire navy and reports to the Chief of Defence Staff.

Key Features:

• Highest active rank
• Four-star general rank
• Held by Chief of Naval Staff
• Reports to CDS and President

Duties:

• Lead the entire Nigerian Navy
• Advise the President on naval matters
• Oversee all naval operations
• Make strategic policy decisions
• Represent Navy at national level

2026 Status: Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla currently serves as Chief of Naval Staff. He was appointed in 2024 and holds the rank of Admiral.

3. Vice Admiral (Vice Adm)

Symbol: Eagle above crossed sword and baton with three stars

Description: Vice Admirals are three-star officers who hold key leadership roles. They are involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and major decision-making.

Key Features:

• Three-star general rank
• Senior leadership role
• Strategic planning
• Resource management

Duties:

• Hold key leadership positions
• Strategic planning and policy
• Resource allocation decisions
• Oversee major naval departments
• Second to Admiral in authority

2026 Status: Vice Admirals serve as Principal Staff Officers at Naval Headquarters, heading major branches like Operations, Training, Administration, and Logistics.

4. Rear Admiral (Rear Adm)

Symbol: Eagle above crossed sword and baton with two stars

Description: Rear Admirals are two-star officers, also called flag officers. They are the most junior “Admiralty” officers and command naval formations and fleets.

Key Features:

• Two-star general rank
• Flag officer rank
• Command naval formations
• Fleet command

Duties:

• Command naval formations
• Lead naval fleets and task forces
• Head Flag Officer Commands
• Oversee operational activities
• Strategic operations planning

2026 Status: Each of Nigeria’s 6 naval commands (Western, Central, Eastern, Training, Doctrine & Logistics) is headed by a Flag Officer of the rank of Rear Admiral.

5. Commodore (Cdre)

Symbol: Broad stripe with one star above

Description: Commodores are one-star officers who command naval task groups. They are involved in strategic planning and policy development. This rank is equivalent to Brigadier in the Army.

Key Features:

• One-star general rank
• Task group command
• Policy development
• Strategic planning

Duties:

• Command naval task groups
• Strategic planning roles
• Policy development
• Lead major units
• Bridge between senior and mid-level

2026 Status: Commodores command major naval establishments, bases, and task groups across Nigeria’s maritime zones.

6. Captain (Capt)

Symbol: Four thick stripes

Description: Captains are senior officers usually in charge of the largest ships at sea. They also serve in senior staff positions. This rank is equivalent to Colonel in the Army.

Key Features:

• Four stripes rank
• Command largest ships
• Senior staff positions
• Equivalent to Colonel

Duties:

• Command major naval vessels
• Senior staff officer roles
• Shore establishment leadership
• Training and mentorship
• Operational command

2026 Status: Captains command frigates, destroyers, and major shore establishments. They also serve as senior staff officers at headquarters.

7. Commander (Cdr)

Symbol: Three thick stripes

Description: Commanders are in charge of smaller ships or naval units. This rank is equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. They may also serve as executive officers on larger ships.

Key Features:

• Three stripes rank
• Command smaller vessels
• Executive officer roles
• Mid-level command

Duties:

• Command patrol boats and corvettes
• Executive officer on frigates
• Department heads
• Unit leadership
• Operational planning

2026 Status: Commanders lead patrol vessels, serve as seconds-in-command on major ships, and head departments at naval bases.

8. Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr)

Symbol: Two thick stripes with one thin stripe

Description: Lieutenant Commanders are mid-level officers, superior to Lieutenant but below Commander. They may command small ships or serve as department heads on larger vessels.

Key Features:

• 2.5 stripes rank
• Mid-level officer
• Small vessel command
• Department leadership

Duties:

• Command small patrol craft
• Department heads on ships
• Staff officer duties
• Training roles
• Operational support

2026 Status: Lieutenant Commanders command inshore patrol vessels and serve as heads of departments on frigates and shore establishments.

9. Lieutenant (Lt)

Symbol: Two thick stripes

Description: Lieutenants are junior officers who may command smaller naval vessels or serve as department heads on larger ships. Their rank is equivalent to Captain in the Army.

Key Features:

• Two stripes rank
• Junior officer
• Department officer
• Small craft command

Duties:

• Command very small vessels
• Department officers on ships
• Watch-keeping duties
• Lead divisions
• Operational execution

2026 Status: Lieutenants serve as division officers, watch keepers, and commanders of small boats and landing craft.

10. Sub-Lieutenant (SLt)

Symbol: One thick stripe

Description: Sub-Lieutenants are junior officers, often in training or in their first command positions. They are equivalent to Lieutenant in the Army.

Key Features:

• One stripe rank
• Junior officer
• First assignment
• Under mentorship

Duties:

• Undergo operational training
• Assistant department officers
• Watch-keeping duties
• Learn ship operations
• Execute basic tasks

2026 Status: Sub-Lieutenants are newly commissioned officers undergoing sea training and gaining experience in various departments.

11. Midshipman (Mid)

Symbol: One thin stripe or special insignia

Description: This is the entry-level rank for commissioned officers, where they undergo training before being promoted. Equivalent to Second Lieutenant in the Army.

Key Features:

• Entry officer rank
• Under training
• Cadet status
• Learning phase

Duties:

• Undergo officer training
• Learn naval procedures
• Assist senior officers
• Sea training
• Classroom education

2026 Status: Midshipmen train at the Nigerian Defence Academy (5 years) or through Direct Short Service Commission programs.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS/RATINGS RANKS AND SYMBOLS

Ratings (also called Non-Commissioned Officers) are the backbone of the Navy. They carry out orders, maintain discipline, and provide technical expertise. They wear chevrons and badges on their uniforms.

12. Warrant Chief Petty Officer (WCPO)

Symbol: Nigerian Coat of Arms with crown

Description: This is the highest non-commissioned rank. WCPOs are senior technical experts and advisors who bridge commissioned officers and ratings.

Key Features:

• Highest rating rank
• Senior technical expert
• Advisor to officers
• Master craftsman

Duties:

• Advise commissioned officers
• Manage rating affairs
• Technical expertise
• Mentor junior ratings
• Administrative supervision

2026 Highlights: WCPOs earn between ₦150,000 to ₦180,000 monthly. They are the most experienced ratings with decades of service.

13. Chief Petty Officer (CPO)

Symbol: Fouled anchor with three chevrons

Description: CPOs are senior ratings responsible for managing departments and supervising junior ratings. They provide leadership at deck level.

Key Features:

• Senior rating rank
• Department management
• Supervisory role
• Technical leader

Duties:

• Manage ship departments
• Supervise ratings
• Maintain discipline
• Technical operations
• Training junior personnel

2026 Highlights: Chief Petty Officers earn between ₦120,000 to ₦140,000 monthly. They are the senior-most working-level ratings.

14. Petty Officer (PO)

Symbol: Anchor with two chevrons

Description: Petty Officers supervise small teams and execute specific tasks. They are experienced ratings with leadership responsibilities.

Key Features:

• Mid-level rating
• Team supervision
• Task execution
• Leadership role

Duties:

• Lead small teams
• Execute specific tasks
• Maintain equipment
• Train able seamen
• Report to Chief Petty Officer

2026 Highlights: Petty Officers earn approximately ₦100,000 to ₦120,000 monthly. They are the first leadership level among ratings.

15. Leading Seaman/Rating (LS)

Symbol: Anchor with one chevron

Description: Leading Seamen are experienced ratings who assist Petty Officers in supervising and training junior personnel.

Key Features:

• Experienced rating
• Assistant supervisor
• Senior skilled worker
• Mentor role

Duties:

• Assist Petty Officers
• Supervise able seamen
• Technical duties
• Training support
• Operational tasks

2026 Highlights: Leading Seamen earn between ₦85,000 to ₦100,000 monthly. They represent experienced sailors promoted from Able Seaman.

16. Able Seaman/Rating (AB)

Symbol: Anchor or specialty badge

Description: Able Seamen are competent ratings who have completed basic training and gained experience. They perform skilled tasks.

Key Features:

• Competent sailor
• Skilled worker
• Post-training rank
• Operational rating

Duties:

• Perform skilled tasks
• Maintain ship equipment
• Stand watches
• Execute orders
• Support operations

2026 Highlights: Able Seamen earn approximately ₦78,000 to ₦85,000 monthly. This is the first rank after completing training successfully.

17. Ordinary Seaman/Rating (ORD)

Symbol: No insignia or basic badge

Description: This is the entry-level rank for ratings. Ordinary Seamen are undergoing basic training and learning naval procedures.

Key Features:

• Entry-level rank
• Under training
• Learning basic skills
• Lowest rank

Duties:

• Undergo basic training
• Learn naval procedures
• Assist all senior ratings
• Perform basic tasks
• Physical training

2026 Highlights: Ordinary Seamen earn approximately ₦70,000 to ₦78,000 monthly. SSCE holders enter at this rank and undergo 6 months basic training.

How to Identify Nigerian Navy Ranks

You can identify a naval officer’s rank by checking the insignia:

Commissioned Officers:

• Wear stripes on shoulder boards or sleeves
• Gold stripes indicate rank level
• Stars above stripes for flag officers (Admiral ranks)
• Eagle, crossed sword and baton for senior ranks
• More stripes = higher rank

Ratings (Non-Commissioned Officers):

• Wear chevrons (V-shaped stripes)
• Anchor symbol for ratings
• Number of chevrons shows rank
• Nigerian Coat of Arms for WCPO (highest rating)
• Specialty badges indicate trade (engineering, medical, etc.)

Nigerian Navy Salary Structure 2026

The Nigerian Navy follows the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). Salaries have been adjusted for the 2026 minimum wage increase.

Commissioned Officers:

• Admiral: ₦3,000,000+ monthly
• Vice Admiral: ₦2,500,000+ monthly
• Rear Admiral: ₦2,000,000+ monthly
• Commodore: ₦1,500,000+ monthly
• Captain: ₦800,000 – ₦1,200,000
• Commander: ₦600,000 – ₦800,000
• Lt Commander: ₦450,000 – ₦600,000
• Lieutenant: ₦350,000 – ₦450,000
• Sub-Lieutenant: ₦250,000 – ₦350,000
• Midshipman: ₦200,000 – ₦250,000

Ratings/Non-Commissioned Officers:

• WCPO: ₦150,000 – ₦180,000
• CPO: ₦120,000 – ₦140,000
• PO: ₦100,000 – ₦120,000
• LS: ₦85,000 – ₦100,000
• AB: ₦78,000 – ₦85,000
• ORD: ₦70,000 – ₦78,000

Additional Allowances:

• Housing allowance
• Transport allowance
• Sea duty allowance
• Hazard allowance
• Uniform allowance
• Ration allowance

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Understanding Nigerian Navy Hierarchy

The Nigerian Navy Ranks And Symbols 2026 provides a clear structure for command, operations, and discipline at sea. From Ordinary Seaman at entry level to Admiral at the top, each rank carries specific responsibilities vital to defending Nigeria’s territorial waters and maritime interests.

Whether you plan to join the Nigerian Navy or simply want to understand this important armed service, knowing these ranks helps you identify authority levels and appreciate the organized hierarchy. The symbols worn by naval personnel represent years of training, dedication, and service to the nation.

What do you think about Nigerian Navy ranks? Are you interested in joining the Navy? Share your thoughts about the Nigerian Navy Ranks And Symbols 2026 in the comments below!